Jay Harris will rap instead of play football at MSU; was it a mutual decision?

9:21 AM, May 15, 2013

Jay Harris, center. / Courtesy of Downingtown East

Detroit Free Press Sports Writers

Philly.com reported Tuesday that 2013 Michigan State recruit Jay Harris had opted for a rap career instead of football, but the website later changed its story -- citing an unnamed source who said MSU coach Mark Dantonio had stripped Harris of his scholarship after Harris posted profanity-laden rap videos on YouTube.

MSU associate athletic director John Lewandowski said Harris not playing at MSU is a "mutual decision" between Harris and MSU coaches.

Harris, a 5-foot-11 wide receiver out of Downingtown East in Exton, Penn., was a 3-star recruit according to Rivals.com, and was ranked No. 17 overall in Pennsylvania on ESPN’s RecruitingNation.

But instead, he will pursue rapping, under the name Jay DatBull. He released his first single, “DatBull 4 Life,” in April on YouTube, which you can view here (WARNING: Graphic language included). As of this afternoon, the video surpassed 50,000 views.

Breen reports his mixtape is set for a June 1 release.

“I’ve been thinking about doing this for a couple of years now,” Harris told Breen.

Note: Former Michigan State defensive end William Gholston signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs picked the 6-foot-6, 281-pounder from Detroit Southeastern in the fourth round of last month’s draft with the 126th overall selection.

Beat writer Joe Rexrode will answer your MSU questions in a live chat at 10 a.m. Thursday at freep.com/sports. Submit early questions here.